Six luxury hotels for history lovers
With functional or industrial histories, these buildings – now reworked with all the trappings of luxury – have an intriguing history
Originally conceived of and constructed for quite different purposes, these buildings have been restored, renovated and converted into luxury hotels – but each has a fascinating past.
Humble fishermen’s homes
Half of the casas at the beautiful Uxua Casa Hotel in Bahia, Brazil used to be fishermen’s homes and date back 500 years. Spotting their potential as a unique destination, Wilbert Das, Diesel’s former creative director, together with local artisans, painstakingly restored the casas and made them into the quirky rooms that they are now.
Wilbert’s insistence on using traditional techniques and reclaimed materials, and on sourcing vintage Brazilian furniture, was fundamental to keeping the casas authentic. Today, Brazil’s elite and the style-savvy flock to this spot to languish among the architecture, art and antiques that make this place so special.
The village that travels
Amanyangyun is an intriguing time capsule situated just outside Shanghai, and a whole lot of sweat and creativity went into producing the stunning property that it is today.
Dozens of village houses were transported from remote Jiangxi province to the site to be given a new lease of life as 13 antique villas and 24 suites on the hotel grounds. Each house combines the craft and culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, providing one of the coolest new stays available.